Jennifer D. (Jennmarie68) reviewed On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Audio Cassette) (Unabridged) on + 217 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
When I sat down with this book I was expecting a manual on writing. Do this, don't do this kind of thing. But that is so not what this book is.
The beginning of the book tells the story of Stephen King's life. Then he goes into some of the things he thinks every writer needs to know (vocabulary, grammar, and basic concepts for dialogue). As he continues through the writing process he doesn't say "you should do this" he simply states this is what I do.
I was amazed that Stephen King could write a book about writing and make it something I couldn't put down. But I guess that's the beauty of how he writes. I think he makes his writing interesting by making it simple. Sure there were a few words I didn't expressly know, but I used my vocabulary toolbox to figure out their meaning.
This book also gave me a ton of new reading recommendations. Will I make it through them all? Probably not anytime soon, but I'm glad that I made a list of them so that I can keep referring back to them.
I don't know if I'll ever write a book, but after reading this book I think I'm more prepared if I ever decide that I do want to try writing.
The beginning of the book tells the story of Stephen King's life. Then he goes into some of the things he thinks every writer needs to know (vocabulary, grammar, and basic concepts for dialogue). As he continues through the writing process he doesn't say "you should do this" he simply states this is what I do.
I was amazed that Stephen King could write a book about writing and make it something I couldn't put down. But I guess that's the beauty of how he writes. I think he makes his writing interesting by making it simple. Sure there were a few words I didn't expressly know, but I used my vocabulary toolbox to figure out their meaning.
This book also gave me a ton of new reading recommendations. Will I make it through them all? Probably not anytime soon, but I'm glad that I made a list of them so that I can keep referring back to them.
I don't know if I'll ever write a book, but after reading this book I think I'm more prepared if I ever decide that I do want to try writing.
Helpful Score: 6
I used to read Stephen King in high school, and haven't done a lot of it since then - with the rare exception (usually audios at work). After reading this book I am reminded of the kind of friendly relationship he cultivates with his readers, and just how endearing his persona is to his fans. If you have been entertained by this man (and who hasn't), I recommend reading this book to deepen your experience of his work. An excellent description of his life, his work habits, advice and pet peeves about the art of writing - and a chapter on the accident that almost ended his life, and the relationships that have sustained that unique life. I was reminded why I was such a big fan - and I've had that attitude reignited.
Valerie (waterbearer) -
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this because it was so personal from King. The first part is a mini-biography. The rest is a sort of "this is what I've done" and "this is what I recommend". I expected it would be more of a "manual" but I was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. A must for King fans and aspiring writers as well.
Karyn S. (kben) reviewed On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft (Audio Cassette) (Unabridged) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Part memoir, part how-to, this is my favorite book about the nuances and elements of writing.
King's an every-man, he doesn't pretend to be anything fancy and he doesn't consider himself to be the end-all, be-all of writing. He simply explains how (and why) he writes.
King's an every-man, he doesn't pretend to be anything fancy and he doesn't consider himself to be the end-all, be-all of writing. He simply explains how (and why) he writes.
Helpful Score: 3
You get Stephen King's backstory, and lots of clues about where certain plots and characters originated. All this in the context of how he learned to write, what he found helpfuf, and the setbacks he encountered. It wasn't a smooth ride, but he and his wife kept going, found the pot of gold, and then had to deal with another of life's blows. All an easy read, no scary King elements.
